Chapter 145: Strong Alliance
2015-04-09
Author: Floating Tower
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The cold sea breeze blew towards him.
Perhaps last winter was too cold, this year’s snow melting is much later than in previous years. In the southern regions, the weather is close to February, yet the coastal areas remain quite chilly. The journey back was mostly calm; no one dared to disturb a Pirate King, especially with a potential legendary Northern Witch aboard the fleet. Thus, there were basically no issues for Soren along the way. His task was to make good use of his time to complete his spell knowledge and strive to learn all first-level spells.
This is the foundation of all spells; most of the later spell models are composed based on first-ring spells.
Level 0 spells are merely cantrips, considered trivial among wizards.
The monotonous study of spells naturally required some seasoning; therefore, during his free time, Soren was always keen to explore the exquisite figure of Teacher Gloria. In that valley-like beauty, there seemed to be boundless secrets of life, which often made him involuntarily indulge in the ocean of knowledge. Although this research could easily turn into a fierce clash, both were undoubtedly powerful figures, with Soren’s combat power needing no elaboration. Though Gloria’s physicality was somewhat inferior, as a high-level witch, she naturally possessed other means.
So in the end, back and forth, they were evenly matched, eventually having to shake hands and agree to rest before continuing the battle!
Life at sea also has its charm, but after nearly half a month of sailing, even the patient Gloria began to feel a bit bored. Therefore, Soren made a stop at the sunken ship port, and after a brief rest, he headed for Taro Port. Regarding the rebellion in the southern kingdom, Soren did not invest too much energy, as he did not yet have sufficient power to intervene on land. It’s about knowing one’s appetite and choosing the right bowl to eat from. If this rebellion lasted long enough and was not suppressed in a short time, then it would be worth Soren spending energy to invest in it.
He was one of the three Pirate Kings of the Southern Coast!
Even if he were to intervene in this matter, Soren would hardly be able to assist the kingdom’s army. To gain greater benefits, he would ultimately have to invest in the rebels.
Therefore, whatever thoughts he harbored would depend on whether this rebellion had the strength to persist.
If they couldn’t hold on for even three to five months, then Soren wouldn’t find it worth investing any resources; a rebellion of such magnitude wouldn’t stir up any waves.
The southern kingdom was severely decayed.
But even the most decayed kingdom has a substantial foundation. Soren could still roam arrogantly at sea, but it wouldn’t be so easy on land. Moreover, many places in between exuded a sense of strangeness, possibly harboring the presence of demons. Whether to wade into this muddy water depended on whether the stakes were high enough and how much assurance he had.
What Soren was scheming was certainly not simple!
…………
Taro Port.
Soren’s return immediately calmed down those who had felt a ripple of unrest. At the same time, when they learned through various channels, or through bribed informants within the pirates, that Soren had actually drawn in the powerful Northern Witch Council and reached a trade agreement with them, a torrent of excitement arose in their hearts. The value of trading with the Witch Council was not merely about purchasing a batch of extraordinary equipment to arm his subordinates; it held even deeper implications.
Even if it didn’t mean much, others would feel that the matter was not simple!
Let alone the fact that during this time, many core members of the pirates learned of Gloria’s existence, and Soren’s close relationship with her was not deliberately hidden from others. So basically, all of Soren’s pirate leaders were aware of Gloria’s identity and that she could potentially become their matron. The pirates’ title for Soren was somewhat akin to “Mylord”, which could be understood as “Your Excellency” or “Master”.
For Gloria, whether in strength or status, she could easily crush these unruly pirate leaders!
Perhaps in the past, some might have thought that Soren lacked foundation, harboring a small doubt or two, but after Gloria’s appearance, her status had completely crushed any such hesitations. If Soren were to marry this noble Northern Witch, it would mean he had acquired an immensely powerful ally. The alliance between a Pirate King and a member of the High-Level Witch Council was sufficient to suppress anyone with ulterior motives. Such a combination of strength would ultimately make anyone think twice about acting recklessly, even instilling fear in those harboring malicious intentions.
In fact.
Some people had already begun to pass this news back, causing many to worry.
In the port area.
Soren’s fleet entered Taro Port. Thanks to the supplies from overseas trade, the protection fees (flag) Soren established allowed the pirates to get by quite comfortably; in the near term, no one had attacked them. This world needs rules, and Soren established a rule that others found beneficial enough, prompting them to start adhering to it. While these people followed Soren’s rules, they naturally began to cultivate a sense of reverence in their hearts.
The warship approached the port, and other merchant ships cleared the way.
Soren stood on the deck dressed in black attire. He slightly bent his body and gestured invitingly before taking Gloria’s hand, which wore a serene and elegant smile, then walked towards the urban area of Taro Port. He resembled a noble lord inspecting his territory with his lady, his face radiating strong confidence, yet without an ounce of arrogance.
He was showcasing his power!
Who would dare say he lacked strength or capability after establishing such a foundation in just a few months?
A slight commotion broke out ahead.
As Soren descended from the warship, holding Gloria’s fair hand, figures of Temple Guards appeared in the distance, and then the surrounding crowd quickly parted. Without having to look, it was obvious that the Naga Priestess had arrived. This undoubtedly surprised Soren, and a slight smile involuntarily appeared on his face, for the Naga Priestess welcoming him under such circumstances was a recognition of his strength, a behavior that raised his stature.
However, before Soren could fully rejoice, his expression quickly stiffened.
For after the Naga Priestess appeared, she didn’t even glance at him; instead, she approached Gloria directly, slightly bowing and smiling, “Welcome to Taro Port, esteemed Witch!”
Soren’s face turned ashen.
In the past, he had spent countless efforts forcing the Naga Priestess out to greet him and to bow.
Yet even then, the Naga Priestess had never adopted such a lowly posture to meet him, but now that Gloria had come to Taro Port, the Naga Priestess not only took the initiative to welcome her but even lowered her stance so much. Comparing their experiences, Soren immediately felt quite upset; even though Gloria was already his woman, he still felt very displeased. The gap in their status was a complete extreme, highlighting the high status of a High-Level Spellcaster at that moment.
Faced with the Naga Priestess’s low stance, Gloria naturally nodded and smiled. However, she quickly noticed Soren’s rather dark expression beside her.
Thus, this extremely clever woman subtly moved, changing from Soren holding her hand to her actively linking her arm with his.
In this way!
The atmosphere instantly shifted; they transformed from holding hands together to Gloria gently hooking her arm through Soren’s, leaning against his shoulder.
Soren, who had originally been deliberately ignored by the Naga Priestess, suddenly became the center of attention.
Even the Naga Priestess turned into a mere supporting character!
At this moment.
Soren’s gaze softened, a tenderness rarely seen in his eyes. Gloria glanced at him, a slight smile appearing at the corner of her mouth. She then casually blinked.
If not for being in public, Soren truly wanted to hold her and kiss her fiercely!
In response to Gloria’s initiative to make Soren the center of attention, the Naga Priestess’s expression was undoubtedly not good. It seemed all the rumors were true. In just a few days, Soren had completely conquered a noble Northern Witch of high status, all thanks to his strong male charisma and prowess. He not only claimed a high-level witch but also a member of the Witch Council. (Note: All of the above is tavern gossip, and with each retelling, it has become increasingly absurd yet believable, especially among Soren’s pirates who enjoy boasting about how powerful their leader is, and that even the supremely respected Northern Witch has been conquered. Those noblewomen and young ladies would surely be left in awe.)
Everyone understands what circulates in taverns.
However, some rumors, even if repeated a hundred times, would eventually lead someone to believe them, and slowly the story would take on more credibility.
“Please!”
The Naga Priestess, having surmised their relationship, could not help but stiffen her face into a forced smile as she spoke slowly, “I have already prepared accommodations for the esteemed Witch.”
Gloria’s status was even more noble than many city lords.
In fact, she was in a position that superseded the lords in the North; even if that governing power belonged to the Witch Council, her identity was certainly not inferior to the Naga Priestess’s. Therefore, the Naga Priestess’s attitude in welcoming her was effectively pleasing the Witch Council, and the invitation to prepare accommodations was in accordance with the standards set for welcoming other lords’ visits.
No matter how close Soren and Gloria’s relationship was, whether he could be controlled in the future was another matter for later.
The most important thing for the Naga Priestess now was to find a way to connect with the Witch Council. If she could establish ties with the Witch Council, it would mean she gained a powerful support!
Soren’s growth had completely exceeded the Naga Priestess’s expectations.
Especially now, with the support from the Northern Witches, he had leaped to become the most powerful Pirate King force on the Southern Coast!
It seemed that a reshuffling would soon take place here.
…………
(PS: Today’s first update. For now, I can’t increase the quantity, but I will work hard on the quality.) (The novel “Abyss Master” will have more fresh content available on the official WeChat platform, along with a 100% raffle gift for everyone! Open WeChat now, click the upper right “+” button “Add Contacts,” search for the official account “qdread”, and follow it quickly!) (To be continued ~^~)
